Hobbits are described by Tolkien as an uncomplicated and ancient little people, shy of Big Folk and preferring well-ordered and well-farmed countryside.

Hobbiton is one of the places in The Shire where the Hobbits live in both The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit. As seen in the films, Hobbits are a merry folk who love nothing better than a good party, preferably with many helpings of food. They have been known to eat at least six meals a day and always have room for more.

They are no more than four feet tall and seldom wear shoes because their feet have tough leathery soles clad in thick, curling hair. Being shy of Big Folk, it is unlikely you will see any Hobbits on your visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, but you'll be able to see their favourite haunts.

When Peter Jackson spotted the Alexander Farm during an aerial search of the North Island for the best possible locations to film The Lord of The Rings film trilogy, he immediately thought it was perfect for Hobbiton. Nevertheless, a lot of work was still needed to be completed before it was up to the director’s high standards.

Site construction started in March 1999 and filming commenced in December that year, continuing for three months. Below is a summary of the major components that were needed to create the Hobbiton Movie Set:

• The New Zealand Army was contracted to build 1.5 km of road into the site and the initial set development. They brought diggers, bulldozers, loaders, trucks, rollers, graders and other heavy machinery to the site.• Barberry hedges and trees were brought in and gardens were nurtured throughout winter.• Thirty-seven hobbit holes were created with untreated timber, ply and polystyrene.• The Mill and double arch bridge were built out of scaffolding, ply and polystyrene, then glued and painted.• Thatch on the pub and mill roofs was cut from rushes around the Alexander farm.• The oak tree overlooking Bag End was cut down and brought in from near Matamata. Each branch was numbered and chopped, then transported and bolted together on top of Bag End (weighing 26 tonne).• Artificial leaves were imported from Taiwan and individually wired onto the dead tree.• Generators were brought in to run the base camp and filming equipment. Logistics of power, water and sewerage all had to be considered.• Catering was organised for up to 400 people a day, with three 2-course meals required for all of the cast and crew.

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